Employer-Supported Prizes: Five Advantages You’ll Get by Applying

By Matthew Lumley, Nottingham Advantage Award Team

Each year employers sponsor prizes rewarding students who have excelled during their time with the Nottingham Advantage Award. In 2018, there are eight prizes you could win. These are supported by Boots, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Experian, EY, Mars, Save the Children, Teach First, and also our Vice-Chancellor’s Global Graduate prize.

Applications are now open! So, if you have passed or are due to pass at least two Advantage Award modules by Monday 26 February, here’s why you should apply:

1. Recognition from a global brand

Being successful in a competitive job market often means you need to stand out from the crowd. There are many conscientious students who excel during university, achieving recognition or winning prizes for their hard work. How can you be different?

These prizes are endorsed by globally-recognised brands, which shows quality and prestige. In the fast-paced recruitment process seeing a name such as Boots or Experian on your CV or application could grab an employer’s attention and encourage them to read more.

2. Insight into the graduate recruitment process

In order to attain a prize, you need to complete an online application form and if you’re shortlisted, attend an interview. Any practice that can prepare you for the job market can only be an Advantage. The application process encourages you to reflect on your skills, strengths, weaknesses, how you overcome obstacles and your greatest achievements. These are all questions you’re likely to face when applying for jobs.

If you get through to the second part of the application process, you will have the opportunity to experience an interview conducted by an employer. They will provide you with detailed feedback on your performance and things to improve.

What better way to get a head start on your entry into the graduate job market?

3. Celebrate your achievement

All shortlisted, highly commended and prize winning students are invited to our Celebration Event on Wednesday 13 June 2018. Here you will be presented with your prize in front of Nottingham Advantage Award completers, Careers and Employability Service staff, module convenors, employers and a pro-vice-chancellor. Your name will be read out to a room of prestigious individuals, showcasing your achievements.

Last year’s winner of the Professional Development Prize, Sylvia May

4. Get connected

During the Celebration Event you will have the chance to network with employers, academic staff and your peers. Sometimes ‘who you know’ helps, and this is a great opportunity to develop your connections.

Why not come prepared with some questions? You could get advice about what experience you need to work in a particular sector, where to get it, and who might be useful people to get in touch with. If you want some more clarity about your interview feedback, this is your second chance.

Last year’s winner of the Leadership Prize, Hannah Chamberlain

5. Win an actual prize!

In addition to the experiences and recognition described above, let’s not forget you do get an actual prize. Every shortlisted, highly-commended and winner gets a certificate branded by both employer and the University.

You will also receive a voucher or monetary prize. This can be used to support your professional development, invest in an entrepreneurial idea, or to just splash out on that new album. In addition, an employer may offer a work-shadowing placement, which can provide invaluable experience or even lead to a role in that company.

Interested? Find out more about the prizes on offer and how to apply here.

The application deadline is 10am Monday 19 February 2018. If you have questions about the prizes available, join us in January on the following dates:

Monday 29 January at 1pm, C27, Portland Building –30 min session – please register on My Career by searching for event ID 7357

Monday 5 February at 1pm, C27, Portland Building –30 min session – please register on My Career by searching for event ID 7358

You can keep up-to-date on the Nottingham Advantage Award via social media; find us on Facebook and Twitter.